Tool rig for the compaction of particulate material

ABSTRACT

A tool rig for the compaction of particulate materials includes a base and a cylinder block disposed on the base. At least two pistons are disposed within the cylinder block and one piston is at least partially disposed within one other piston. A supply component is disposed in the inner diameter of at least one of the pistons and defines at least one channel. The channel connects an energy supply to at least one of the pistons.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 60/348,972, filed Jan. 15, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the art of forming products fromparticulate materials. More particularly, the present invention relatesto the compaction of particulate materials. Still more particularly, thepresent invention relates to a new tool rig for the compaction ofparticulate materials.

2. Description of Related Art

In the manufacture of components or parts from particulate materials, acritical process is the compaction of the particulate material.Compaction is typically performed by filling a die cavity with theparticulate material and applying pressure to the particulate materialwith a press.

The press has a driven main ram that moves in a single direction. Themain ram is connected to a ram platen that moves with the main ram. Inmost cases, the main ram and ram platen move in a downward directiontoward a base platen to perform the compaction. The main ram may bedriven by hydraulic or mechanical means, as known to those skilled inthe art. Depending on the operation, additional rams may be present toprovide auxiliary motion in a coaxial direction.

For compaction different types of presses may be utilized, among them ahybrid press and a hydraulic press. A hydraulic press includes ahydraulically driven main ram and hydraulic auxiliary motions. A hybridpress comprises a crank or knuckle driven main ram and hydraulicauxiliary motions. Adjustable mechanical stops are used to preventauxiliary motion beyond the desired range.

A density close to the theoretical density of the material is desiredfor a component made from a particulate material, because the mechanicalproperties of the component improve with increasing density of thecompacted particulate. As a result, techniques have been developed toincrease the density achieved through the compaction process. Thesetechniques are often focused on multiple level parts, because thegeometry of multiple level parts usually make uniform densitydistribution between the levels more difficult. A discrepancy in densitydistribution adversely affects the performance of the part and may leadto the formation of cracks in the compaction process.

One technique to improve compaction of multiple level parts is that of atool rig comprising a die that defines a cavity in conjunction with atleast two punches that extend into the cavity. At least one punch istypically actuated through auxiliary motion at some point during thecompaction process to move the punch to a different vertical positionand thereby direct the flow of the particulate material in the cavity toachieve a more uniform density distribution in the formed part. Forparts with many levels, multiple punches may be used and each punch maybe separately actuated.

In order to facilitate these actuated punches, designs of prior art toolrigs have relied upon cumbersome designs. A tool rig usually includesplatens and/or cylinders to support each punch. Each of these supportcomponents must be independently movable to allow each punch to beindependently actuated. Likewise, each support component must have anindependent source of energy to create independent motion of the supportcomponent and its respective punch. Such sources of energy may includeconnections to hydraulic or pneumatic media. Further, each supportcomponent typically has a linear encoder that measures the position andtravel of the component, in turn measuring the position and travel ofthe punch that the component supports.

The requirement of an independent energy supply source for eachcomponent that supports an actuated punch has necessitated the design ofvertically long tool rigs and presses in the prior art. The verticallength of a press dictated by designs of the prior art is illustrated inEuropean Patent No. EP 0 586 028 B1, issued to the present inventor andothers; in PCT Publication No. WO 01/08864 A1, issued to Beane et al.;and in European Patent No. 0 077 897/related U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,307,issued to Schaidl et al. The excessive vertical length of these designsdemands deep pits and/or high ceilings in a production facility, resultsin long tooling stack-ups that are difficult to align and increaseset-up time, and yields a deflection that is generally high.

Accordingly, it is desirable to develop a new tool rig that integratesall necessary elements at a substantially reduced height, which providesincreased rigidity and maintains good accessibility for set-up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a tool rig for the compaction ofparticulate materials such as powdered metals, which includes a supplycomponent to connect an energy supply to at least one piston from theinside of a piston.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a tool rig for thecompaction of particulate materials includes a base and a cylinder blockdisposed on the base. At least two pistons are disposed within thecylinder block and one piston is at least partially disposed within oneother piston. An energy supply is connected to at least one of thepistons from the inner diameter of a piston by means such as a supplycomponent that defines a channel.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a tool rig forthe compaction of particulate materials includes a base and a cylinderblock disposed on the base. At least two pistons are disposed within thecylinder block and one piston is at least partially disposed within oneother piston. A supply component is disposed in the inner diameter of atleast one piston and defines at least two channels, wherein one channelprovides an energy supply to one piston and one other channel providesan energy supply to one other piston.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pressfor the compaction of particulate materials includes a frame and a toolrig for the compaction of particulate materials connected to the frame.The tool rig includes a base, a cylinder block disposed on the base andat least two pistons disposed within the cylinder block. One piston isat least partially disposed within one other piston and an energy supplyis connected to at least one of the pistons by means such as a supplycomponent. The supply component is disposed in the inner diameter of atleast one of the pistons and defines at least one channel that providesconnection to the energy supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take form in certain components and structures,exemplary embodiments of which will be illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a tool rig in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan sectional view of the tool rig of FIG. 1 along lineA-A;

FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view of the tool rig of FIG. 1 along lineB-B;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the tool rig of FIG. 3 taken along lineC-C;

FIG. 5 is a front sectional view of a tool rig in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention in a fill position;

FIG. 6 is a front sectional view of the tool rig of FIG. 5 in acompacting position;

FIG. 7 is a front sectional view of the tool rig of FIG. 5 in anejection position.

FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of a lower half of a tool rig inaccordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a plan sectional view of the tool rig of FIG. 8 taken alongline A-A;

FIG. 10 is a front sectional view of an upper half of a tool rig inaccordance with the embodiment FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a front sectional view of a tool rig in accordance with stillanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a plan sectional view of the tool rig of FIG. 11 taken alongline A-A; and

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the tool rig of FIG. 12 taken along lineB-B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a tool rig 10 to support tooling members isshown. Tooling members include punches, core rods and dies, as arerequired to form a part from particulate materials. Turning first toFIG. 1, the tool rig 10 includes a cylinder block 12 and a base 14. Thecylinder block 12 and the base 14 may be collectively referred to as ahousing. The tool rig 10 also includes a first, outer piston 16 and asecond piston 18 inside of the first piston 16, each of which cansupport a separate tooling member movable along the vertical axis of thetool rig 10 in response to the supply of an energy source, such ashydraulic fluid. Means for connecting an energy source, such as astationary supply component 20, are disposed in the inner diameter ofthe second piston 18. The energy source includes hydraulic or pneumaticpressure media.

A third, central piston 24 to actuate an additional tooling member maybe disposed in the supply component 20. In the tool rig 10, the thirdpiston 24 is at least partially on the same elevation as the secondpiston 18. That is, the height at which the lower limit of verticaltravel of the third piston 24 occurs is at approximately the same heightat which the lower limit of vertical travel of the second piston 18occurs. It is to be noted that the supply component 20 may be anintegral part of the housing 12 and 14 of the tool rig 10. As a result,the cylinder block 12, the base 14 and the supply component 20 cooperateto contain, support and supply an energy source to the movable pistons16, 18 and 24.

The supply component 20 allows an energy supply to be connected to thesecond piston 18 from the interior of the second piston 18, as well asto the third piston 24. The base 14 houses a linear encoder 26 for thefirst piston 16, a linear encoder 28 for the second piston 18 and alinear encoder 30 for the third piston 24.

A first channel 32 and a second channel 34 are defined in the base 14 ofthe tool rig 10 and continue through the supply component 20 for theconnection of an energy supply, such as hydraulic fluid, to the secondpiston 18. A first annular pocket 36 is defined between the secondpiston 18 and the supply component 20. The first pocket 36 includes anupper portion 38 and a lower portion 40. A second, higher, annularpocket 41 is also defined between the second piston 18 and the supplycomponent 20. The second piston 18 includes a first radial projection 42about its inner circumference that rides within the first pocket 36 anda second radial projection 43 that forms the upper wall of the secondpocket 41. The first channel 32 supplies hydraulic fluid to the lowerportion 40 of the first pocket 36 and to the second pocket 41 to urgeboth projections 42 and 43, and hence the second piston 18, upward. Thesecond channel 34 supplies the upper portion 38 of the first pocket 36with hydraulic fluid to urge the projection 42, and thus the secondpiston 18, downward. In this manner, the travel of the tooling membersupported by the second piston 18 is controlled.

A third annular pocket 44 is defined in between the supply component 20and the third piston 24. Hydraulic fluid is supplied to the third pocket44 through channels (57 and 58 in FIG. 2) in the supply component 20 tocontrol the movement of the third piston 24, and the tooling member thatit supports, in the manner described for the second piston 18.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1, a fourth annular pocket 45 isdefined between the cylinder block 12 and the first piston 16. A radialprojection 46 extends about the outer circumference of the first piston16 and rides within the fourth pocket 45. The hydraulic fluid issupplied to the fourth pocket 45 through channels (not shown) in theouter wall of the cylinder block 12 to control the movement of theprojection 46, and thus the first piston 16 and the tooling member thatit supports.

Upper and lower adjustable mechanical stops 47 and 48 may be included inthe tool rig 10 to allow the first piston 16 and the second piston 18 tohave an adjustable lower limit of movement. The upper adjustable stop 47includes a first inner ring 49 having an external thread that connectsto an internal thread of a first outer ring 50. The first outer ring 50may be rotated by a first worm gear shaft 51. Likewise, the loweradjustable stop 48 includes a second inner ring 52 that has an externalthread that connects to an internal thread of a second outer ring 53,which in turn may be rotated by a second worm gear shaft 54. A firstguide rod 55 and a second guide rod 56 are fixed to the first and secondpistons 16 and 18, respectively, and are guided in the base 14 to keepthe inner rings 49 and 52 from rotating. Therefore, if the outer rings50 and 53 are rotated, the respective inner rings 49 and 52 will bemoved vertically and will thus change the lower limit of movement forthe pistons 16 and 18. It is also to be noted that adjustable mechanicalstops using threaded rings, as described, are provided by way of exampleonly, as other adjustment mechanisms known in the art, such as wedges,may be used.

FIG. 2 illustrates the base 14 of the tool rig 10 from a plan sectionalview. The detail of the upper mechanical stop 47, which supports thefirst piston 16, can be seen. In particular, the first worm gear shaft51 that drives the rotation of the first outer ring 50 and the firstguide rod 55 that prevents rotation of the inner ring 49 are apparent.

FIG. 2 further illustrates the first and second supply channels 32 and34 defined by the supply component 20 for the actuation of the secondpiston 18 (referring back to FIG. 1) and the third and fourth supplychannels 57 and 58 also defined by the supply component 20 for theactuation of the third piston 24.

With reference to FIG. 3, the concentric relationship between the firstpiston 16, the second piston 18, the supply component 20 and the thirdpiston 24 in the cylinder block 12 is further illustrated. A die platen59 (referring back to FIG. 1) includes connecting lateral pistons 60that extend into the cylinder block 12. Additional detail of theinteraction between the cylinder block 12 and the connecting lateralpistons 60 is shown in FIG. 4. The connecting lateral pistons 60 extendinto corresponding chambers 61 defined in the cylinder block 12.Typically, two (2) or four (4) connecting lateral pistons 60 arepresent.

Turning now to FIGS. 5-7, actuation of a similar, yet alternative,embodiment of a tool rig 62 is illustrated. The tool rig 62 is similarto the tool rig 10 described in FIGS. 1-4, without an adjustablemechanical stop. In place of adjustable mechanical stops are simplepositive stops. FIG. 5 shows the tool rig 62 in a fill position. Thetool rig 62 may include a die platen 64 that houses a die adapter 66.The die adapter 66 receives a die 68 that defines a cavity 70, whichholds the particulate material or pre-form that is compacted by use ofthe tool rig 62. On top of a second piston 72 is an adapter 74 thatfacilitates the support of an inner punch 76 by the second piston 72.Surrounding the second piston 72 is a first piston 78. The first piston78 supports an adapter 80, which in turn supports an outer punch 82.This system of pistons 72 and 78 and adapters 74 and 80 allows the outerpunch 82 and the inner punch 76 to extend into the cavity 70 when thetool rig 62 is in the fill position. Disposed in the center of thesupply component 83 is a third piston 84 that actuates a core rod 86that extends into the cavity 70.

With reference to FIG. 6, an upper punch 88 may have entered the cavity70 when the tool rig 62 is in a compaction position. FIG. 7 illustratesthe tool rig 62 in an ejection position, where a compacted part 90 ispushed out of the die 68 by the punches 76 and 82. Thefill-compaction-ejection cycle shown in FIGS. 5-7 illustrates themovement of the concentric pistons 72, 78 and 84, which remain onessentially the same level or elevation throughout their operation,facilitated by the supply component 83.

Turning to FIGS. 8-10, yet another embodiment of a tool rig 92, designedto support three upper and three lower tooling members, is shown. Withreference to FIG. 8, the tool rig 92 includes a lower half 94. The lowerhalf 94 of the tool rig 92 includes a cylinder block 96 and a base 98.Housed within the cylinder block 96 are a first, outer concentric piston100; a second, middle concentric piston 102; and a third, innerconcentric piston 104. These pistons 100, 102 and 104 provide supportfor the lower tooling members (not shown) and are movable along thevertical axis of the tool rig 92 in response to the supply of an energysource, such as hydraulic fluid. A central bore 106 for an externallyoperated central tooling member (not shown) is defined in the innerdiameter of the third piston 104. Disposed between the second piston 102and the third piston 104 is a stationary supply component 108. Thesupply component 108 allows access to the second piston 102 and thethird piston 104 for the supply of the energy source from a lateralposition between the pistons 102 and 104.

Housed within the base 98 of the lower half 94 of the tool rig 92 arelinear encoders. A linear encoder 110 for the first piston 100, a linearencoder 112 for the second piston 102 and a linear encoder 114 for thethird piston 104 are all mounted within the base 98. The encoders 110,112 and 114 extend from the base 98 into each respective piston 100, 102and 104 and measure the travel of each respective piston 100, 102 and104 throughout the compaction cycle.

The base 98 also defines supply channels that facilitate the connectionof an energy supply, such as hydraulic fluid. For example, an uppersupply channel 116 and a lower supply channel 118 are defined in thebase 98 of the tool rig 92 and continue into the supply component 108. Afirst annular pocket 120 is defined by the second piston 102 andincludes an upper portion 122 and a lower portion 124. The supplycomponent 108 includes a first radial projection 126 that extends intothe first pocket 120 to create the limits of vertical travel for thesecond piston 102. The lower channel 118 supplies the hydraulic fluid tothe lower portion 124 of the first pocket 120 to urge the second piston102 upward. The upper channel 116 supplies the upper portion 122 of thepocket 120 with hydraulic fluid to urge the second piston 102 downward.

The third piston 104 defines a second annular pocket 128 into which asecond radial projection 130 from the supply component 108 extends.Thus, the third piston 104 may also be supplied with an energy source,such as hydraulic fluid, to cause vertical movement, as described abovefor the second piston 102.

The first piston 100 includes a third radial projection 132 about itsouter circumference that rides within a third annular pocket 134 definedin the cylinder block 96. The third pocket 134 for the first piston 100is connected to the energy supply through a channel (not shown) definedin the cylinder block 96, typically through the outer wall of thecylinder block 96. As with the second 102 and the third 104 pistons, thelimits of the third projection 132 in the third pocket 134 within whichit rides dictate the travel of the first piston 100 and the toolingmember it supports.

A die platen 136 is tied to a connecting plate 138 by columns 140, whichpass through the cylinder block 96 and the base 98. The connecting plate138 in turn ties to an external drive provided by the press (not shown).

Turning now to FIG. 9, a plan sectional view of the base 98 of the lowerhalf 94 of the tool rig 92 is illustrated. A port 142 for the linearencoder 110 of the first piston 100 is defined in the base 98, as areports 144 and 145, for the encoders 112 and 114 of the second piston 102and the third piston 104, respectively. The energy supply channels 116and 118 for the second piston 102 and energy supply channels 146 and 147for the third cylinder 104 are shown. The location of the columns 140that tie the die platen 136 to the connecting plate 138 (referring backto FIG. 8) are also shown.

Depending upon the particular application, it may be desirable toactuate multiple punches from a position above the die platen 136(referring back to FIG. 8) in addition to a position below the platen136. When multiple punches are used above the platen 136, the tool rig92 may include an upper half 148, shown in FIG. 10. The upper half 148of the tool rig 92 is located above the die platen 136 and issubstantially a mirror image of the lower half 94 that is located belowthe die platen 136. Due to such similarity, the upper half 148 will beunderstood based upon the foregoing description of the lower half 94. Ofparticular note is a third, central piston 149 similar to the centralpiston 104 of the lower half 94, except the central piston 149 of theupper half 148 does not have a central bore. Of course, any embodimentof the tool rig described herein may include an upper half in additionto a lower half. Also, an upper half or a lower half of the tool rig ofthe present invention may be combined with a respective lower or upperhalf of a tool rig of the prior art.

With reference to FIGS. 11-13, a lower half 150 of still anotherembodiment of a tool rig 152 is shown. In this embodiment, a firstconcentric piston 154, a second concentric piston 156, a thirdconcentric piston 158 and a fourth concentric piston 159 are present.However, a cylinder block 160 that houses the pistons 154, 156, 158 and159 is extended vertically (as compared to the prior embodiments) andincludes a top cylinder block portion 160 a and a bottom cylinder blockportion 160 b. In addition, a supply component 161 is disposed withinthe inner diameter of the third piston 158. As a result, the thirdpiston 158 and the fourth piston 159 are supplied from a base 162 of thetool rig 152 through the supply component 161, as described in the aboveembodiments. Both the first and second cylinders 154 and 156 aresupplied through the outer wall of the cylinder block 160, i.e., thefirst piston 154 is supplied through the outer wall of the uppercylinder block portion 160 a and the second piston 156 is suppliedthrough the outer wall of the lower cylinder block portion 160 b.

In this manner, only some of the pistons, i.e., the second, third andfourth pistons 156, 158 and 159, may be on one level, while one or morepistons, such as the first piston 154, is on a different level. In suchan embodiment, the overall length of the tool rig 152 is notsubstantially increased from that of the prior embodiments, as more thanone piston (i.e., 156, 158 and 159) are on the same level and tooladaptation for the tooling members supported by these pistons may be atleast partially on the level of the first piston 154, thereby decreasingthe minimum gap required between a die platen 164 and the cylinder block160.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the die platen 164 may include connectinglateral pistons 166 that extend into the lower half 150 of the tool rig152, similar to the manner described above in FIG. 4. The cylinder block160 defines chambers 168 into which the corresponding connecting lateralpistons 166 extend. The cylinder block 160 also defines a shoulder 170that extends into each chamber 168, which cooperates with a flange 172on each connecting lateral piston 166 to define the lower limit ofvertical travel of the connecting lateral pistons 166, and hence, thedie platen 164.

The use of the supply component reduces the excessive height requiredfor a press that compacts parts made from particulate materials usingmultiple punches. This reduces the deflection of the press and thetooling stack-up, and also eases the alignment of the tooling members,thereby increasing the quality of the parts made. In addition, the pressoccupies less vertical production space.

The above examples have described in detail a tool rig in a modulardesign to allow multiple rigs to be interchangeably used on a singlepress. However, it is also anticipated that a press may be designed withthe tool rig of the present invention as an integral component. A pressthat may utilize the tool rig either as a modular unit or as an integralcomponent includes a frame. The frame may provide main ram motion,actuation of the die and further tooling members, and electric,hydraulic or pneumatic controls.

Particular note is made that at least two concentric pistons of the toolrig of the present invention are at essentially the same level orelevation. Further, a base that is on a different level containsencoders and means to provide an energy supply to each concentricpiston. The invention has been illustrated with respect to a tool rigthat supports three or four tooling members, such as punches or corerods and a die. However, support of more punches or core rods may beaccomplished using the design of the present invention. For example,five or six concentric cylinders may be employed, rather than three orfour.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Of course, modifications and alterations might occur toothers upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. It is intended that the invention be construed as includingall such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within thescope of this disclosure.

1. A tool rig for the compaction of particulate materials, comprising: abase; a cylinder block disposed on the base; first and second pistonsdisposed within the cylinder block, the second piston being at leastpartially disposed within the first piston; and first and second supplymeans for connecting an energy supply to the second piston frompositions within the second piston to cause the second piston to moveindependently from movement of the first piston, the first supply meanscausing the second piston to move in a first direction and the secondsupply means causing the second piston to move in a second directionopposite the first direction.
 2. The tool rig of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second supply means respectively include first and secondchannels defined by a supply component at least partially disposedwithin the second piston.
 3. The tool rig of claim 2, wherein the supplycomponent is stationary relative to the base.
 4. The tool rig of claim2, wherein the first and second channels extend through the base.
 5. Thetool rig of claim 2, wherein the supply component defines a centralbore.
 6. The tool rig of claim 5, further comprising: a third pistondisposed within the central bore; and third supply means for connectingan energy supply to the third piston from a position within the secondpiston to cause the third piston to move independently from movement ofthe first and second pistons.
 7. The tool rig of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second pistons are concentric.
 8. The tool rig of claim 1,further comprising at least two connecting lateral pistons at leastpartially contained within the cylinder block, to connect at least oneplaten to the cylinder block.
 9. The tool rig of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one linear encoder disposed in the base.
 10. Thetool rig of claim 1, further comprising a mechanical stop for at leastone of the pistons.
 11. The tool rig of claim 10, wherein the mechanicalstop is adjustable.
 12. The tool rig of claim 11, wherein the mechanicalstop includes an inner ring with an external thread that connects to aninternal thread of an outer ring, whereby the stop is adjusted byrotation of the outer ring.
 13. A tool rig for the compaction ofparticulate materials, comprising: a base; a cylinder block disposed onthe base; first and second pistons disposed within the cylinder block,the second piston being at least partially disposed within the firstpiston; and a supply component disposed in the second piston, the supplycomponent defining first and second channels providing an energy supplycausing the second piston to move independently from movement of thefirst piston, the first channel providing an energy supply causing thesecond piston to move in a first direction and the second channelproviding an energy supply causing the second piston to move in a seconddirection opposite the first direction.
 14. The tool rig of claim 13,wherein the first and second pistons are on essentially the same level.15. The tool rig of claim 13, further comprising a third piston, whereintwo of the three pistons are on essentially the same level and one ofthe three pistons is on a different level from the two pistons that areon essentially the same level.
 16. The tool rig of claim 13, wherein thesupply component defines a central bore.
 17. The tool rig of claim 16,further comprising a third piston disposed within the central bore. 18.The tool rig of claim 17, further comprising supply means for connectingan energy supply to the third piston from a position within the secondpiston to cause the third piston to move independently from movement ofthe first and second pistons.
 19. The tool rig of claim 13, furthercomprising at least one linear encoder disposed in the base.
 20. Thetool rig of claim 13, further comprising a mechanical stop for at leastone of the pistons.
 21. The tool rig of claim 20, wherein the mechanicalstop is adjustable.
 22. The tool rig of claim 21, wherein the mechanicalstop includes an inner ring and an outer ring, whereby the stop isadjusted by rotation of the outer ring.
 23. A press for the compactionof particulate materials, comprising: a frame; and a tool rig for thecompaction of particulate materials connected to the frame, including abase, a cylinder block disposed on the base, first and second pistonsdisposed within the cylinder block, the second piston being at leastpartially disposed within the first piston, and first and second supplymeans for connecting an energy supply to the second piston frompositions within the second piston to cause the second piston to moveindependently from movement of the first piston, the first supply meanscausing the second piston to move in a first direction and the secondsupply means causing the second piston to move in a second directionopposite the first direction.
 24. The press for the compaction ofparticulate materials of claim 23, wherein the first and second supplymeans respectively include first and second channels defined by a supplycomponent at least partially disposed within the second piston.
 25. Thepress for the compaction of particulate materials of claim 23, whereinthe tool rig is integrally connected to the frame.
 26. The press for thecompaction of particulate materials of claim 23, wherein the tool rig isremovably connected to the frame.
 27. The press for the compaction ofparticulate materials of claim 23, further comprising electric controls.28. The press for the compaction of particulate materials of claim 23,further comprising hydraulic controls.
 29. The press for the compactionof particulate materials of claim 23, further comprising pneumaticcontrols.